RING FIT ADVENTURE & A BIG OLE GLASS OF WATER
Happy New Year, friends! People everywhere are making resolutions and attempting to change their habits. For a lot of people out there, that means adding a fitness regiment to their routine. Now while I've been slightly obsessed with Nintendo's new fitness game since its release back in October, I bet a lot of folks are picking this game up for the first time right about now. And if you don't have it, but you want to make working out part of your new 2020 lifestyle....BOY HAVE I GOT THE GAME FOR YOU!
Let me tell you a little bit about my lifestyle, because I think that's important background information in regards to my love for this game. 4 years ago, I lost about 25 pounds. It wasn't because I was eating healthy or working out, I went through a separation/divorce which resulted in lots of stress and a lack of appetite. I started exercising mainly for the endorphins and to get my mind off things. Once some normalcy started to return to my life, I kept the weight off because I continued exercising. My routine has always consisted of doing circuits at home. Sometimes I'll go a week without doing it, and sometimes I'll do it 4 days out of 7. I don't go to the gym. The thought of using up my precious time to travel somewhere else to work out AND pay money to do doesn't work for me, and I don't run or jog. I don't look forward to circuits, in fact I kind of dread them. I'd rather go for a long walk with the dog instead. But the fact of the matter is that working out makes my body and mind feel better. I feel so much better today than I did a few years ago. I exercise as a means to an end.
All of that being said, my roommate got Ring Fit for himself right when it released. I decided to try it one night, and holy cow was I in love. I have successfully managed to steal the Ring Fit Adventure from him. I'm now up to level 65 with a total of 8 hours of game play. But guys, this is literally what I've been waiting for. I've always wanted to play Skyrim on an omnidirectional treadmill, with a weighted sword to swing. I hate working out, but I love the idea of a game inadvertently making me fit. If you played Wii Fit at all, I can safely say that Ring Fit Adventure expands and improves upon that concept threefold.
So here's my top reasons for why I love Ring Fit Adventure, and why I think you should try it out:
1) Motivation! I was worried about how long Ring Fit Adventure would keep my attention for, but I can safely say this is the game that just keeps on giving. Ring Fit Adventure consistently throws new exercises to add into your routine, and new mechanics are introduced at the perfect intervals. Ring, the character who helps you on your journey, is incredibly positive and motivational. Plus there's the whole thing of saving the world from Dragaux, the super swol antagonist of the game.
2) Accessibility! Ring Fit is wonderful because you can play at your own pace. There are 4 levels of difficulty that you can exercise on. You can even play on Silent Mode, which is for those who are concerned about making too much noise (i.e. apartment dwellers with downstairs neighbors). On top of this, I love the reminders I get in game that remind me not to push too hard, to take breaks, and to drink lots of water. You can play for 5 minutes, or 30 minutes.
3) Customizable! There are several ways to work out. You can follow the main story of the game, you can play minigames, or you can do a personally customized set of exercises if you don't really want to bother with gameplay. You can focus on aerobics, core, arms, legs, or yoga positions. And, my favorite part, you can unlock new outfits for your avatar to wear.
4) Eye candy! This one probably isn't as important to others, but I really was not expecting such a pretty game. My first time jogging through the world of Ring Fit Adventure, I was struck by how beautiful the landscapes and creatures were. The UI has extremely rewarding animations for performing well. And I know I mentioned this already but....CUTE OUTFITS!
In the end, my absolute favorite thing about Ring Fit Adventure is that it has managed to get me excited about working out. I definitely never thought that was possible. I hope if you're considering getting this game, you try it out. And PLEASE let me know if you like it, I'm so excited for others to join in on this journey! Happy New Year, and good luck with your resolutions!!! May 2020 be the best year yet, and remember to stay hydrated!